HOUSE private prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan on Tuesday accused Vice President Sara Duterte’s lead defense counsel Atty. Shiela Sison of bullying the prosecution and showing disrespect to the senator‑judges throughout the impeachment proceedings.
Speaking at a post‑trial press briefing, Kapunan took particular issue with Sison’s repeated use of terms such as “persecution,” “accused,” and “denial of due process” in her arguments before the Senate Impeachment Court. “She inserts into her manifestations words like persecution, words like accused, words like denial of due process,” Kapunan said, describing the behavior as unprofessional and out of place in the high tribunal.
Kapunan emphasized that the prosecution team had remained courteous despite the exchanges. “Our public prosecutors are gentle. She is a bully — and there is no place for bullying in a Senate impeachment court,” she stated. She further alleged that Sison’s conduct went beyond aggressive advocacy and bordered on rudeness toward the court itself: “Not only the prosecution, but also the senator‑judges — she is disrespecting them.” Kapunan noted that both sides are bound to observe courtesy and respect regardless of their opposing positions.
The exchange followed an objection raised earlier in the day by lead prosecutor Atty. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro, who sought to strike the word “persecution” from the official record. Presiding Officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero denied the motion, explaining that the term reflected the defense’s position and was part of its advocacy. The House prosecution formally rested its case Tuesday after 39 trial days; the defense is scheduled to begin presenting its evidence on Article II — the unexplained wealth charge — on November 9.
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